Open Letter to Puente Hills Toyota (CA)

fshagan · 01-15-2006, 01:43 PM

--- An Open Email to Julie at Puente Hills Toyota ---

Julie,
Please review the quoted emails below. On 1/9 you responded to
my original query with a quote matching my request for a 2006
Prius Package 3 for $23,966 and promised a "haggle and hassle
free purchasing experience". On 1/10 you emailed and asked if
you were in the ballpark with the quote. On 1/13 you emailed
me saying you had three Package 3's in stock for me to look at.
You referred me to another "Internet Manager" because you were to be
out this weekend. I called and talked to Tsow, who indicated he was
the internet manager, and he verified he had three. I asked if
Puente Hills Toyota marked up the MSRP, and he said no, you don't
mark it up. I asked if he could hold the Classic Silver one for
me to get there that evening, and he said your policy was not
to hold it. So on a Friday afternoon, I took a half day off work,
drove from Oxnard CA 100 miles and three hours through LA traffic.

Imagine my surprise to find all the Package 3 Prius to have the
dealer added chrome wheels and leather seating, and a $4,000
adder to the MSRP for these items.

In discussions with Tsow, and another manager he called out, I
learned a few things. One, Puente Hills Toyota ALWAYS adds the
leather and chrome wheels to the Prius because everyone wants them.
Two, I was asked what I didn't like about leather (as if that was
the point). Three, I was told that the chrome wheels couldn't
be removed, but we could negotiate on price on the adder. Four,
I was told that while you don't "mark up MSRP" you do require
people to pay for options you add, as that is "only fair."

"Fair" is not a word I would use to describe my experiences with
Puente Hills Toyota and the "Internet Fleet Department", which unlike
most Internet sales offices, still engages in the common sales games
of "standing room only" closes, bait and switch tactics and lies to
sell its cars.

Needless to say, I won't be buying a car from Puente Hills Toyota.
I'm close to abandoning the brand if this is how Toyota is training
their Internet Fleet Departments. It is not how I am being treated
by the other manufacturer's Internet Sales Departments, who are indeed
showing me I can have a "haggle and hassle free purchasing experience."
I have also posted this as an "open letter" on the internet bulletin
boards to warn other Internet buyers of your practices (I will
munge the email addresses so you don't get spammed ... not a sign of
affection, I assure you, but I do have my own standards I won't
violate.)

----- Original Message -----
From: <j@puentehillstoyota.com>
To: <fshagan>
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 11:10 AM
Subject: RE:Re: PUENTE HILLS TOYOTA INTERNET FLEET DEPT.

> HI Frank,
>
> Thanks for the email. I do have the Silver and Seaside
> pearl with package 3 in stock please let me know if you are
> interested and when you can come by. Note I will be out of the office
> this weekend , but my director can assist you. His name is Tseshani
> Reed. just give him a call at
> 626 964-7100 ext 370
>
> thanks again
>
>
> Julie Derby
> Internet Sales Manager
> > ***All Internet Quotes are valid for 24 Hours and are valid through
> Internet Dept Only***
>

----- Original Message -----
From: <j@puentehillstoyota.com>
To: <fshagan>
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 5:07 PM
Subject: PUENTE HILLS TOYOTA INTERNET FLEET DEPT.

> Hi Frank ,
>
> What do you think about the quote I sent you? I welcome
> the opportunity to go over the details or any questions
> you may have about your new Toyota Prius
>
> Are we in the ballpark?
>
> When you are ready to come by for a test drive please
> contact me to ensure you receive a haggle and hassle free
> purchasing experience.
>
> I will meet or match any written price quote you bring with you.
>
> I look forward to hearing from you!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Julie Derby
> Internet Sales Dept. Manager
> Puente Hills Toyota
>
> Julie Derby
> Internet Sales Manager
> ***All Internet Quotes are valid for 24 Hours and are valid through
> Internet Dept Only***
>
----- Original Message -----
From: <j@puentehillstoyota.com>
To: <fshagan>
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 5:40 PM
Subject: PUENTE HILLS TOYOTA INTERNET SALES DEPT

> Hi Frank ,
>
> Just received your request for pricing and information on the
> 2006 Toyota Prius you are interested in. I'm Julie Derby,
> Internet Sales Mgr here at Puente Hills Toyota and it will be
> my pleasure to assist you. The Prius , will come with the
> following options:
>
> MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE
> Hybrid Synergy Drive System
> 1.5L 4Cyl DOHC 16 Valve w/VVT-i SFI Eng
> Elctrnic Cntinusly Variable Trans (ECVT)
> Electronic Power Steering System
> MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
> Torsion Beam Rear Suspension
> 15" Alloy Wheels w/P185/65R15 Tires
> Front Disc (14") and Rear Drum Brakes
> SAFETY
> Dr & Fr Pass Advanced Front Airbag (SRS)
> Traction Control (TRAC)
> ABS w/Elec Brake Force Dist & Brk Assist
> 3 Point Seatbelts w/ALR/ELR Pass Belts
> Side-Impact Door Beams
> Rr-Seat Child Restraint Systm(CRS) Lower
> Anchors & Top Tether Brackets (LATCH)
> Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System
> EXTERIOR
> Multi-Reflectr Halogn Auto-Off Headlamps
> Dual Clr-Keyd Pwr Heated Outside Mirrors
> Chrome-Type Finish on Front Grille
> Rear Spoiler
> COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
> Auto Climate Control w/Air Filtration
> AM/FM CD with 6 Speakers
> Push Button Start
> Remote Keyless Entry & Engine Imobilizer
> Cruise Control
> Liquid-Crystal Multi-Info Display Panel
> w/Energy Monitor, Fuel Consumption,
> Climate Control,O/S Temp & Audio Status
> Tilt Steer Wheel w/Climate & Audio Cntrl
> 60/40 Split Fold-Flat Rear Seat
> Variable Front & Intermittent Rr Wipers
> Heavy-Duty Rr Window Defogger w/Timer
> Pwr Door Locks & Wndws w/Dr Auto Up/Down
> Adjustable Front Shoulder Belt Anchors
> Cntr Console & Dual-Compartmnt Glove Box
> 2 Auxiliary 12V Power Outlets
> Cargo Tonneau Cover & Undr-Floor Storage
> Overhead Console w/Map Lights
> Fabric Cloth Seats
> 50 State Emissions .........................
> Package #3 Includes: Rear Backup Camera; ...
> Smart Key System; AM/FM CD w/6 Speakers, ...
> Aux Audio Input Miniplug, and MP3/WMA ......
> Playback Capability; Driver and Front ......
> Passenger Front Seat-Mounted Side ..........
> Airbags; Front and Rear Side Curtain .......
> Airbags ....................................
> Carpet Floor Mats & Cargo Mat
>
> YOUR PRICE IS 23966.00 PLUS TAX AND LICENSE.
>
> When you are ready to come by for a test drive please
> contact me to ensure you receive a haggle and hassle
> free purchasing experience. PLEASE NOTE THIS PRICING
> IS ONLY GOOD THROUGH OUR INTERNET SALES MANAGERS.
> SO IT'S VERY IMPORTANT YOU CONTACT US PRIOR TO COMING
> BY TO SECURE YOUR PRICE.
>
> Thanks again for your time
>
> Julie Derby
> Internet Sales Manager
>
> PLEASE NOTE ALL QUOTE'S ARE GOOD FOR 7 DAYS:
>
> Julie Derby
> Internet Sales Manager
> ***All InternetQuotes are valid for 24 Hours and are valid through
> Internet Dept Only***

tustin · 01-15-2006, 02:00 PM

I too had a similar experience with that dealer. Was told on the phone by their internet sales dept. that they were selling at MSRP only to find chrome wheels and leather add-ons were required after I arrived at the dealer.

I bought a car from Claremont Toyota later that day after they tracked down the package & color I wanted and had it there a few hours later. Next time I'll ask for the sticker price on the car and compare with MSRP before I drive to the dealer.

fshagan · 01-15-2006, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tustin@Jan 15 2006, 12:00 PM
I too had a similar experience with that dealer. Was told on the phone by their internet sales dept. that they were selling at MSRP only to find chrome wheels and leather add-ons were required after I arrived at the dealer.

I bought a car from Claremont Toyota later that day after they tracked down the package & color I wanted and had it there a few hours later. Next time I'll ask for the sticker price on the car and compare with MSRP before I drive to the dealer.

[snapback]190649[/snapback]

They simply lie. I expect that from a salesman on the lot, because so many of them are scum, but all of the cars I've purchased through Internet Sales Departments are more like fleet leasing for my company. You have the specific car in mind, you email or call them, they locate it, you go there and its the car you wanted, and you buy it. The last two cars I was in and out in 45 minutes, not including the "orientation" on the car, but including inspection of the vehicle, test drive, finance and taking delivery. THAT is how the Internet Sales Departments are supposed to act.

Its interesting that you had the same experience. That verifies what one of the people I talked to there said, that they ALWAYS add the leather seats and chrome wheels. I wasn't sure which one of the three I dealt with was the lier, but it is obviously Julie in her email to me, quoting a price she knew she could not keep.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 01-15-2006, 03:48 PM

What part of this is NOT a written price quote?
> YOUR PRICE IS 23966.00 PLUS TAX AND LICENSE.

And when has it become legal to go against written price quotes. I mean, it's not like someone there can claim that their web developer hasn't updated the site this morning because she's sick or that yes there are rebates but in the fine print you can see that the Prius is exempt. This was WRITTEN IN AN EMAIL!!

That's just horrible.
I'm sorry to hear about your experience with them. Unfortunately, there must be enough people out there who are supporting this type of behavior by purchasing the cars even with the non-optional mark-ups.

daronspicher · 01-15-2006, 04:07 PM

seems to me, you should have slapped that email down on the table...

This is what you said you had...

This is the price you said I could buy it for...

Get the shop to bring that one around front....

Chrome rims? Not on the list, so they must not be on the car you quoted to me... feel free to leave them on or take them off, but for me, the price is still 23966..

Leather.. is acceptable, but also not on the list that you told me I could buy... feel free to leave it on or off, but the price is 23966.

at that point, it's going to do you no good... but it would be worth my 100 mile trip to look the managers in the eye.. all the way to the top guy and tell them that they are a lieing a$$hole and that you are putting up a web page to post the entire transaction for the world to see.. and that you'll recommend against them to anyone who will hear you out.

Godiva · 01-15-2006, 04:48 PM

This is not how "Toyota trains their internet sales managers".

Each dealer is independent and the individual ethics and business practices show.

If you want to have a nice drive back, call Howard Sheehy, the Internet/Fleet Manager at Kearny Mesa Toyota, 4910 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, CA 92111 ph: 858-335-5815, email: howard@kmtoyota.com

Tell him Mary with the Black Prius with the big "owie" sent you from Priuschat.

Howard will tell you exactly what they've got on the lot. Tell you what you want and he'll find it for you. I'm sure if he knew you were driving three hours and over 100 miles to come look at a car, he'd hold it until you showed up. It's not like if you didn't show up they'd be stuck with a car for months.

Kearny Mesa Toyota doesn't add on anything you don't want and won't charge more than MSRP. They have been excellent to deal with. They also do a big volume so can get more cars than some of the dealers, although maybe not as many as Carson. But they don't mark them up either. And they don't add any options until AFTER you buy. They'll add whatever you want, but you pay AFTER you buy for ONLY what you want.

Remember not to buy the extended warranty (unless they can match Troy's deal), protectorant, alarms, etching, et al the finance people will try to sell you. Finance is separate from sales. Howard is good to deal with.

Tell him Mary with the Black Prius with the big "Owie" send you from Priuschat.com

smy · 01-15-2006, 04:54 PM

That's horrible they did that to you. Should I or others call on your behalf in hopes of their honoing their first price, or are you completely finished with them?

**TonyPSchaefer** · 01-15-2006, 05:18 PM

While I was on the list and waiting for Priapus, I showed my sales rep Priuschat. One day I went in and he said he had been reading about the stories other people were posting about their dealers and warning people to stay away. He asked, "are you going to post about your experience here?" "Of course," I said with a big warm smile.

Mine ended with a mostly positive experience and I tell locals to go there and deal with my sales rep. But it's nice to know that we have a network to warn and advise others.

Godiva · 01-15-2006, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TonyPSchaefer@Jan 15 2006, 05:18 PM
While I was on the list and waiting for Priapus, I showed my sales rep Priuschat. One day I went in and he said he had been reading about the stories other people were posting about their dealers and warning people to stay away. He asked, "are you going to post about your experience here?" "Of course," I said with a big warm smile.

Mine ended with a mostly positive experience and I tell locals to go there and deal with my sales rep. But it's nice to know that we have a network to warn and advise others.

[snapback]190785[/snapback]

And they're really stupid to think we don't.

I think some of them are figuring people aren't going to seek out information before they buy, but after. Of course....these are probably the self same dealers that are using sales tactics that are fifty years old. It just don't work that way no more.

My contact was the internet sales manager and I e-mailed him several times before talking on the phone. He knows I found him through the dealer's website and that I went to every dealer's website in the county.

And when I got there I eventually let him know I had done my homework on the car and was a member and regular poster on Priuschat. I also gave him some cards from the local Prius club after I attended my first meeting.

I'd like to think the stupid ones would eventually wise up and change. But I don't think it's gonna happen. There's always another unsuspecting, naive sucker waiting to be fleeced. But it sure would be nice to see their market share go way down while the reputable dealers enjoy a booming business.

fshagan · 01-15-2006, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by smy@Jan 15 2006, 02:54 PM
That's horrible they did that to you. Should I or others call on your behalf in hopes of their honoing their first price, or are you completely finished with them?

[snapback]190776[/snapback]

Completely done. Saturday morning, the local dealer finally called back with news that the car I had ordered through them was finally going to be here by the end of the month. I had told them that I was going to look for a Prius in stock since they couldn't give me a VIN number on the car they said was coming in ... and Saturday they said they had a VIN now and were sure it was coming in.

If not, I'll order from another dealer, but there's NO WAY I would ever go back to Puente Hills Toyota.

01-15-2006, 01:43 PM	#1
fshagan Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,775 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	--- An Open Email to Julie at Puente Hills Toyota --- Julie, Please review the quoted emails below. On 1/9 you responded to my original query with a quote matching my request for a 2006 Prius Package 3 for $23,966 and promised a "haggle and hassle free purchasing experience". On 1/10 you emailed and asked if you were in the ballpark with the quote. On 1/13 you emailed me saying you had three Package 3's in stock for me to look at. You referred me to another "Internet Manager" because you were to be out this weekend. I called and talked to Tsow, who indicated he was the internet manager, and he verified he had three. I asked if Puente Hills Toyota marked up the MSRP, and he said no, you don't mark it up. I asked if he could hold the Classic Silver one for me to get there that evening, and he said your policy was not to hold it. So on a Friday afternoon, I took a half day off work, drove from Oxnard CA 100 miles and three hours through LA traffic. Imagine my surprise to find all the Package 3 Prius to have the dealer added chrome wheels and leather seating, and a $4,000 adder to the MSRP for these items. In discussions with Tsow, and another manager he called out, I learned a few things. One, Puente Hills Toyota ALWAYS adds the leather and chrome wheels to the Prius because everyone wants them. Two, I was asked what I didn't like about leather (as if that was the point). Three, I was told that the chrome wheels couldn't be removed, but we could negotiate on price on the adder. Four, I was told that while you don't "mark up MSRP" you do require people to pay for options you add, as that is "only fair." "Fair" is not a word I would use to describe my experiences with Puente Hills Toyota and the "Internet Fleet Department", which unlike most Internet sales offices, still engages in the common sales games of "standing room only" closes, bait and switch tactics and lies to sell its cars. Needless to say, I won't be buying a car from Puente Hills Toyota. I'm close to abandoning the brand if this is how Toyota is training their Internet Fleet Departments. It is not how I am being treated by the other manufacturer's Internet Sales Departments, who are indeed showing me I can have a "haggle and hassle free purchasing experience." I have also posted this as an "open letter" on the internet bulletin boards to warn other Internet buyers of your practices (I will munge the email addresses so you don't get spammed ... not a sign of affection, I assure you, but I do have my own standards I won't violate.) ----- Original Message ----- From: <j@puentehillstoyota.com> To: <fshagan> Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 11:10 AM Subject: RE:Re: PUENTE HILLS TOYOTA INTERNET FLEET DEPT. > HI Frank, > > Thanks for the email. I do have the Silver and Seaside > pearl with package 3 in stock please let me know if you are > interested and when you can come by. Note I will be out of the office > this weekend , but my director can assist you. His name is Tseshani > Reed. just give him a call at > 626 964-7100 ext 370 > > thanks again > > > Julie Derby > Internet Sales Manager > > *All Internet Quotes are valid for 24 Hours and are valid through > Internet Dept Only* > ----- Original Message ----- From: <j@puentehillstoyota.com> To: <fshagan> Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 5:07 PM Subject: PUENTE HILLS TOYOTA INTERNET FLEET DEPT. > Hi Frank , > > What do you think about the quote I sent you? I welcome > the opportunity to go over the details or any questions > you may have about your new Toyota Prius > > Are we in the ballpark? > > When you are ready to come by for a test drive please > contact me to ensure you receive a haggle and hassle free > purchasing experience. > > I will meet or match any written price quote you bring with you. > > I look forward to hearing from you! > > Sincerely, > > Julie Derby > Internet Sales Dept. Manager > Puente Hills Toyota > > Julie Derby > Internet Sales Manager > *All Internet Quotes are valid for 24 Hours and are valid through > Internet Dept Only* > ----- Original Message ----- From: <j@puentehillstoyota.com> To: <fshagan> Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 5:40 PM Subject: PUENTE HILLS TOYOTA INTERNET SALES DEPT > Hi Frank , > > Just received your request for pricing and information on the > 2006 Toyota Prius you are interested in. I'm Julie Derby, > Internet Sales Mgr here at Puente Hills Toyota and it will be > my pleasure to assist you. The Prius , will come with the > following options: > > MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE > Hybrid Synergy Drive System > 1.5L 4Cyl DOHC 16 Valve w/VVT-i SFI Eng > Elctrnic Cntinusly Variable Trans (ECVT) > Electronic Power Steering System > MacPherson Strut Front Suspension > Torsion Beam Rear Suspension > 15" Alloy Wheels w/P185/65R15 Tires > Front Disc (14") and Rear Drum Brakes > SAFETY > Dr & Fr Pass Advanced Front Airbag (SRS) > Traction Control (TRAC) > ABS w/Elec Brake Force Dist & Brk Assist > 3 Point Seatbelts w/ALR/ELR Pass Belts > Side-Impact Door Beams > Rr-Seat Child Restraint Systm(CRS) Lower > Anchors & Top Tether Brackets (LATCH) > Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System > EXTERIOR > Multi-Reflectr Halogn Auto-Off Headlamps > Dual Clr-Keyd Pwr Heated Outside Mirrors > Chrome-Type Finish on Front Grille > Rear Spoiler > COMFORT & CONVENIENCE > Auto Climate Control w/Air Filtration > AM/FM CD with 6 Speakers > Push Button Start > Remote Keyless Entry & Engine Imobilizer > Cruise Control > Liquid-Crystal Multi-Info Display Panel > w/Energy Monitor, Fuel Consumption, > Climate Control,O/S Temp & Audio Status > Tilt Steer Wheel w/Climate & Audio Cntrl > 60/40 Split Fold-Flat Rear Seat > Variable Front & Intermittent Rr Wipers > Heavy-Duty Rr Window Defogger w/Timer > Pwr Door Locks & Wndws w/Dr Auto Up/Down > Adjustable Front Shoulder Belt Anchors > Cntr Console & Dual-Compartmnt Glove Box > 2 Auxiliary 12V Power Outlets > Cargo Tonneau Cover & Undr-Floor Storage > Overhead Console w/Map Lights > Fabric Cloth Seats > 50 State Emissions ......................... > Package #3 Includes: Rear Backup Camera; ... > Smart Key System; AM/FM CD w/6 Speakers, ... > Aux Audio Input Miniplug, and MP3/WMA ...... > Playback Capability; Driver and Front ...... > Passenger Front Seat-Mounted Side .......... > Airbags; Front and Rear Side Curtain ....... > Airbags .................................... > Carpet Floor Mats & Cargo Mat > > YOUR PRICE IS 23966.00 PLUS TAX AND LICENSE. > > When you are ready to come by for a test drive please > contact me to ensure you receive a haggle and hassle > free purchasing experience. PLEASE NOTE THIS PRICING > IS ONLY GOOD THROUGH OUR INTERNET SALES MANAGERS. > SO IT'S VERY IMPORTANT YOU CONTACT US PRIOR TO COMING > BY TO SECURE YOUR PRICE. > > Thanks again for your time > > Julie Derby > Internet Sales Manager > > PLEASE NOTE ALL QUOTE'S ARE GOOD FOR 7 DAYS: > > Julie Derby > Internet Sales Manager > *All InternetQuotes are valid for 24 Hours and are valid through > Internet Dept Only* __________________ My Blog PoliteTalk Debate Site:

01-15-2006, 03:48 PM	#4
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 8,346 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 15	What part of this is NOT a written price quote? > YOUR PRICE IS 23966.00 PLUS TAX AND LICENSE. And when has it become legal to go against written price quotes. I mean, it's not like someone there can claim that their web developer hasn't updated the site this morning because she's sick or that yes there are rebates but in the fine print you can see that the Prius is exempt. This was WRITTEN IN AN EMAIL!! That's just horrible. I'm sorry to hear about your experience with them. Unfortunately, there must be enough people out there who are supporting this type of behavior by purchasing the cars even with the non-optional mark-ups. __________________ Proud father of Priapus: the '04 Tideland BC9 with an OEM EV button and sense of self-righteousness >>Current Mileage<< Spreading information and passing gas in the Greater Chicagoland area

01-15-2006, 04:07 PM	#5
daronspicher Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,205 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	seems to me, you should have slapped that email down on the table... This is what you said you had... This is the price you said I could buy it for... Get the shop to bring that one around front.... Chrome rims? Not on the list, so they must not be on the car you quoted to me... feel free to leave them on or take them off, but for me, the price is still 23966.. Leather.. is acceptable, but also not on the list that you told me I could buy... feel free to leave it on or off, but the price is 23966. at that point, it's going to do you no good... but it would be worth my 100 mile trip to look the managers in the eye.. all the way to the top guy and tell them that they are a lieing a$$hole and that you are putting up a web page to post the entire transaction for the world to see.. and that you'll recommend against them to anyone who will hear you out. __________________ My Lifetime MPG is: Lifetime Stats Down with VFTW, KeepTheBestIdol.com instead...

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01-15-2006, 02:00 PM	#2
tustin Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 8 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I too had a similar experience with that dealer. Was told on the phone by their internet sales dept. that they were selling at MSRP only to find chrome wheels and leather add-ons were required after I arrived at the dealer. I bought a car from Claremont Toyota later that day after they tracked down the package & color I wanted and had it there a few hours later. Next time I'll ask for the sticker price on the car and compare with MSRP before I drive to the dealer.

01-15-2006, 04:54 PM	#7
smy Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wilmette, IL Posts: 26 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	That's horrible they did that to you. Should I or others call on your behalf in hopes of their honoing their first price, or are you completely finished with them?

01-15-2006, 05:18 PM	#8
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 8,346 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 15	While I was on the list and waiting for Priapus, I showed my sales rep Priuschat. One day I went in and he said he had been reading about the stories other people were posting about their dealers and warning people to stay away. He asked, "are you going to post about your experience here?" "Of course," I said with a big warm smile. Mine ended with a mostly positive experience and I tell locals to go there and deal with my sales rep. But it's nice to know that we have a network to warn and advise others.